A Special Team Comes to Town

As part of an ongoing program, experts visit the area to focus on the needs of children with disabilities. Three times a year, specialists from across the state visit the area to examine children with disabilities or those expected of having disabilities. The experts that visited the area earlier this month included clinical social worker Sterling Redd, in-psychological consultant, Susan Dickinson, pediatrician Dr. Louis Allen, and psychologist Gail Brown. Local children Stuart and Michael Hill were accompanied by their mother to pay a visit to the specialist who offered consultation for the young children.

It happens three times a year and it affects over 50 families in Carbon and Emery Counties. Children with special needs, some of which includes learning disabilities, seizures, development problems or mentally challenged, often need additional care and this program offers help.

A team of 11 doctors from Primary Children's Hospital come to Price in January, April, and September. The group includes developmental pediatricians, a pediatric neurologist, a genetic specialist, psychologists, speech/language specialist, transition specialist, occupational/physical therapist and a licensed clinical social Worker.

An orthopedic surgeon and a cardiologist come twice a year, in May and November. Children With Special Needs (CSHCN) also consults with local physicians, schools, mental health and family service agencies, and any other organization that care about children. CSHCN does not take the place of a child's regular doctor or treat acute illnesses or injuries.

Dr., Louis Allen, pediatrician, was one of these professionals in Price last week talking about the role of the "traveling" health care program. He explained that the pediatrician team sits down with the families and outlines positive goals while assessing the skills, talents and strengths that could be utilized against the children's defects.

Children are available for evaluation if they are under 18 years of age, residents of Utah, and have or may have physical or developmental disabilities, special medical needs, or learning and behavioral problems.

Other representatives traveling with the team include a neurologist, speech pathologist, audiologist, nutritionist, physical therapist, and a genetics specialist.

"It truly is a community partnership," explains Dr. Allen. "We work with the frontline people, such as doctors, nurses and teachers to find resources that meet the challenge of the children's special needs."

Allen did say that the team enjoys coming to Price. "The two-day workshop here is always very helpful and the people we work with here are very welcoming."